SRP board votes to convert part of coal-powered generating station to natural gas

PHOENIX — In a move that will reduce carbon emissions, the Salt River Project (SRP) Board of Directors approved plans Monday to convert part of the coal-fired Springerville Generating Station to run on natural gas.

SRP said the decision is the most cost-efficient way to preserve the generating capacity that provides power to more than 90,000 homes.

“Converting Springerville Generating Station Unit 4 to run on natural gas allows us to continue to use this important asset to meet increasing energy demand,” SRP general manager and CEO Jim Pratt said in a press release.

The coal-fired burners provide 400-megawatts of capacity. In its updated state, the same power will be maintained.

A natural gas pipeline that will serve the station is also needed to serve the Coronado Generating Station.

The board’s review of the investment and operating costs through 2049 found the conversion could save SRP customers $45 million compared to building a brand new facility.

SRP shares ownership of Springerville Generating Station

The Springerville Generating Station is located in eastern Arizona, about 25 miles northeast of the Springerville-Eagar area in Apache County.

It consists of four units, one of which is operated by SRP.

Tucson Electric Power owns Units 1 and 2 and already has announced plans to convert them to natural gas.

Tri-State Generating and Transmission runs Unit 3.

Long-term factors in conversion to natural gas

The conversion of Unit 4 is part of the SRP plan to double the capacity of its systems over the next 10 years.

It also provides a bridge to other technology options, including advanced nuclear, which is expected to mature in the next 15-20 years.

The Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Tonopah is already the second biggest nuclear power plant in the U.S.

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